Maine governor has new clash with lawmakers

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — In his latest clash with the Legislature, Gov. Paul LePage is telling his department heads not to testify before a key committee.

The Republican governor says he'll do all the talking instead to the Appropriations Committee, which oversees budget and other state financial matters.

The Kennebec Journal of Augusta (http://bit.ly/11lnna7 ) says this follows a couple of other clashes between LePage and lawmakers over the past week. Last Sunday, LePage was turned back when he tried to speak to Appropriations. On Thursday, he charged lawmakers with muzzling him in a dispute over a television outside his office.

Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves of North Berwick says he's concerned about LePage's behavior that's included "tantrums, threats and ultimatums." Eves says he hopes this is just another threat the governor doesn't follow through on.